Police sources have told the AFP that around 40 arrests were made during last night’s UEFA Nations League encounter between France and Israel. Around 20 were then held in custody for what the police sources described as “nothing serious”.
4,000 officers were on duty, which meant that for every police officer, there were just four fans at a Stade de France that saw its security measures reinforced with grills and tarp placed over the seats closest to the pitch. In the 80,000-seater stadium, it made for an eerie atmosphere in a game dominated by a wider political context.
Pre-match, around 1,400 people gathered outside the Stade de France for a pro-Palestine protest. That protest passed without incident, although the chief of police, Laurent Nuñez did report that between 50-100 people did try to enter the stadium, albeit unsuccessfully.
Nuñez had already spoken on French television about the arrests of two individuals within the stadium following a first-half fight in the home end behind Mike Maignan’s goal. The fight broke out in the 10th minute as individuals brandishing Israeli flags and home fans clashed. One of those involved was arrested on the spot, the other was arrested post-match following a review of CCTV footage. However, overall, around 40 were arrested.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
